Hi everyone, I’m Ayra, a 4-year-old living with SMA type 1. I’ve been on treatment since I was just 7 months old. Despite my condition, I love going out and being a real social butterfly. For those who don’t know, SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) type 1 is a genetic disorder that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and difficulty with movement. Many SMA 1 kids like me don’t live long, many can’t pass 2 years old if they are not on treatment. But since I have treatment, I can sit up with support so I hope my treatment doesn’t stop. My daddy works from home to take care of me while my mum works outside. They both work so hard to afford my treatment. My dream is to go to school, but I’ve been rejected by a few kindergartens. I love to learn and I don’t have learning challenges but I was turned down because I can’t go up and down steps on my own. Please help raise awareness for SMA by sharing this post so that I can continue to receive treatment, grow stronger, and go to school like everyone else. Together, we can make a difference!